Mountain Brook Magazine, Fall 2026

61

TO LIFE

Chiropractor Brad Hassig gives every patient what he was given: a second chance. YEARS

COMMUNITY LEADERS 71

It’s the people who make Mountain Brook the community that it is! Here we recognize some of those making an impact on others around them through their businesses.

TOUCHDOWN TOWNS 76

With autumn months comes the South’s Saturday ritual of tuning in to their favorite college team’s football games. This year, hit the road and experience the game day atmosphere live and in person at one of these SEC college towns.

MOUNTAIN BROOK

EDITORIAL

Michaela Bankston

Anna Grace Breedlove

Dave Domescik

Daniel Locke

Tyler Raley

Andrew Simonson

Noah Wortham

CONTRIBUTORS

Rob Bare

Hattie Crawford

Henry Goff

Blair Ramsey

Kelsea Schafer

Katelyn Smith

DESIGN

Sydney Allen

Jamie Dawkins

Morgan Lockhart

Lavens Maginnis

Miles Maginnis

MARKETING

Evann Campbell

Octavia Campbell

Rachel Henderson

Rhett McCreight

Lauren Morris

Tori Smith

ADMINISTRATION

Amanda Boothe

Carlee Chappell

Mary Jo Eskridge

Alec Etheredge

Stacey Meadows

Kayla Reeves

Leslie Reeves

Brittany Schofield

Henry Goff, Writer

Henry Goff has been working with the teens of the O’Neal Library’s young adult department since October 2025. His favorite part of the job is connecting a teen to the right book at the right time. Outside of the library, he enjoys baseball, crossword puzzles and running.

Blair Ramsey, Photographer

Blair is a Vestavia Hills-based photographer whose company, Southern Intrigue Photography, specializes in sports action, portrait and commercial images. Blair has two sons, Cooper and Cameron, who have both had the privilege of being Auburn cheerleaders. Blair’s work can be found at southernintriguephotography.com, on Instagram @southernintriguephotography and Facebook @southernintrigue.

Kelsea Schafer, Photographer

Kelsea is a student at the University of Alabama, pursuing a news media degree in the College of Communications and Information Sciences. Her passion lies in capturing moments, telling the story and preserving memories. When not in class, she can be found photographing Alabama athletics, spending time with her family and friends or at the lake with her dog, Riley. Kelsea’s work can be found at kelseaschaferphotos.com and on social media @kelseaschaferphotos.

Katelyn Smith, Writer

Katelyn Smith is a current student at Auburn University studying journalism. She is now interning for Shelby County Newsmedia and also serves as a lifestyle editor for the Auburn Plainsman. As a lifelong storyteller, she considers it a privilege and loves to share others’ stories through her writing. Katelyn is a Birmingham native and an alumna of Helena High School. When not writing, she enjoys reading fantasy novels, baking, hanging out with friends and singing in various choirs at Auburn.

Mountain Brook Magazine is published quarterly by Shelby County Newsmedia Inc., P.O. Box 947, Columbiana, AL 35051. Mountain Brook Magazine is a registered trademark. All contents herein are the sole property of Shelby County Newsmedia Inc. [the Publisher]. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without written permission from the Publisher. Please address all correspondence (including but not limited to letters, story ideas and requests to reprint materials) to: Editor, Mountain Brook Magazine, P.O. Box 947, Columbiana, AL 35051.

Mountain Brook Magazine is mailed to select households throughout Mountain Brook, and a limited number of free copies are available at local businesses. Please visit MountainBookMagazine.com for a list of those locations. Subscriptions are available at a rate of $14.95 plus tax for one year by visiting MountainBrookMagazine.com or calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 532.

Advertising inquiries may be made by emailing advertise@mountainbrookmagazine.com, or by calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 536.

THE COVER

Law Lamar’s memoir is proof that saying “yes” to ministry yields blessings for many.

EEarlier this summer, I tried my hand at chicken tetrazzini—one of my husband Justin’s favorite meals. What came out of his mouth next was a southern phrase that never before graced my ears: “That dog’ll hunt!”

Growing up in Alexander City—not on the lake—Justin has always appreciated the small things. He likes to poke fun at me, who grew up around the Bluff Park area, and say that I’m privileged.

At first, I almost took offense to his chiding. I am the daughter of a guitar teacher and a nurse, two hardworking individuals, of course, but not millionaires.

Justin would not hesitate to give the shirt off of his back to someone else in need. He thanks God every day he wakes up. His blatant generosity, especially his gratitude for everyday life, is astounding.

It wasn’t until I sat down with local author Law Lamar that I finally began to grasp this way of living.

Law told me that one day on a road trip, a thought popped into his head: Who is responsible for the poor? Dismissing the question, thinking to himself, “the government,” he went on with life until two weeks later the same question popped into his head again.

Wrestling with this inquiry, he finally stopped and asked himself if God was challenging him with a great commission. After negotiating, Law said he told God he’d give Him “six months,” and more than two decades later, thousands of people have been blessed.

Today, his nonprofit has poured nearly $8 million into some of the poorest counties in Alabama, helping fund life-changing opportunities that folks like me, admittedly, would not think twice about having.

Talking with Law, he explained that even during the darkest times in his life, God always provided. It was only a matter of time, he said, before he realized those provisions often came from the generosity of others. Read his story on page 13.

I left that interview with a completely different perspective on life. I also left that day understanding that I, too, have a divine charge: blessing others just as I have been blessed.

Readers, what Justin and Law seem to live out so well is the mentality that they are the hands and feet of Christ Jesus. I have now adopted this mindset. Frankly, I don’t exactly know how I am to bless or who I should be blessing.

However, I do know that I can feature stories—your miracles—and if being a microphone for ministry is where God wants me, that’s where I’ll be. I look forward to serving you all.

Godspeed, God’s Plan

More Alabamians Now Qualify for Prescription Drug Savings

There’s good news for Alabamians living with limited income and resources. The Medicare Extra Help program—also known as LIS—expanded in 2025. If your income is below 150% of the federal poverty level, you may now qualify for full Extra Help benefits.

This means you could pay lower or no premiums, reduced Part D drug copays and reduced or no Part D deductible for your prescriptions. Many people don’t realize they’re eligible—so it’s worth checking.

For example, in 2025, individuals earning less than $23,475 per year (or couples earning less than $31,725 per year) may qualify as long as your assets are below the specified limits. You could save hundreds of dollars each year on the medications you rely on!

To see if you qualify for Extra Help, call:

The Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213, between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. TTY users should call 1-800-325-0778

Choose a Medicare plan with confidence.

Medicare can be complex, and it’s normal to feel uncertain with so many parts and plans to consider. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama understands this and offers Medicare plans grounded in decades of experience and trust. For generations, Blue Cross has been a steady partner for individuals and families, providing coverage that gives you confidence and peace of mind as you navigate your healthcare choices. With a name you can depend on, you can feel secure making important decisions about your health.

3 We are available Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. CST. From October 1 to March 31, the hours of operation are

How to Choose the Right Plan for You

Selecting the right Medicare plan is a crucial decision, and it’s important to consider several factors to ensure the best fit for your needs. Here are some considerations to help you decide:

Is your doctor in the plan’s network?

What will your prescription costs be?

What are your overall monthly expenses?

Are you covered when you travel?

Are there extra benefits like dental, vision and hearing?

Simplified Plan Options

Understanding that every individual has unique healthcare needs, Blue Cross offers a variety of plan options to ensure that you find the right fit:

Designed for Alabamians by Alabamians

With 90 years of experience, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama offers trusted healthcare coverage. Our extensive network includes 90% of doctors and 100% of hospitals in Alabama,1 providing access to top-tier care statewide. We offer comprehensive plans that cover medical expenses, prescription drugs and include additional benefits like dental, vision and hearing.

Our commitment to quality is reflected in high customer satisfaction and ratings, with Blue Advantage plans earning 5 stars for “Member Experience with Health Plan” and 4 stars overall in 2025.2 Our emphasis on customer service ensures you’re never alone in navigating your healthcare options.

• A Part C Medicare Advantage plan

• Offers all-in-one coverage

• Combines medical and prescription drug benefits with extras like vision and dental

• A Medicare Select Plan or type of Medigap Medicare Supplement plan

• Provides fewer out-of-pocket costs for Medicare-covered services

• A Medicare-approved Part D plan

• Pairs with C Plus or Original Medicare

• Helps pay for prescription drugs

Choosing Blue Cross means peace of mind, with local resources and straightforward plans designed to make your Medicare journey simple and easy.

To get more information or talk to a local advisor, call 1-855-978-5238 (TTY 711) or visit BCBSALMedicare.com/BA29, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. CST.3

@mountainbrookmag

Tag us in your Mountain Brook photos on Instagram, and we’ll pick our favorites to regram and publish on this page in each issue.

@mtnbrookschools

What a privilege it was to have Allen Levi spend time with us sharing insight and reflection about his novel, “Theo of Golden.” Engage Conference attendees and Mountain Brook community members had the chance to hear Allen share remarks with Mountain Brook Schools Superintendent, Dicky Barlow, on Wednesday afternoon at Mountain Brook High School.

@tmdlandscapedesigns

Creating landscapes to gather in, celebrate in, and enjoy for years to come. Thank you for this incredible honor.

@villagedermatology

LABL STUDIO X MOUNTAIN BROOK SPRING SOIRÉE

Join LABL Studio at @villagedermatology for Mountain Brook’s Spring Soirée on Thursday, May 14th! Enjoy 25% OFF 5 or more products for one day only — available both in-store and online.

@scottterrystudio

Mother’s Day, in soft structure. A limited collection of seasonal florals in blush and white—designed with movement, restraint, and a quiet sense of balance.

THE GUIDE

MYSTICS OF MOUNTAIN BROOK

HALLOWEEN PARADE

OCT. 31

4 P.M.

Crestline Village

Aiming to bring the spirit of Mobile Mardi Gras to Mountain Brook, siblings Trent Wright and Casey Wright Horn created this beloved tradition that will feature more than 20 different floats, each decorated differently, with riders throwing candy to children as they process down Church Street. Every year, this parade draws crowds of hundreds, so be sure to bring your bags or buckets for candy and arrive early. Follow Mystics of Mountain Brook on Facebook to learn more.

15

Crestline Tent Sale

9 A.M.-5 P.M.

Crestline Village

Get ready for back to school by buying everything you need at the annual Crestline Tent Sale! Hosted by the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce, the tent sale will feature Crestline retailers setting up tents in

front of their shops along the sidewalks of Crestline Village. These tents will sport one-day-only discounts and other great deals. From clothes to shoes and various other items, the tent sale offers a fun day of shopping to prepare for a great school year. Stay up to date on this event at business. mountainbrookchamber.org/events.

OCT. 11

Bolt for Breast Cancer 5K & Dolly Dash

12:30-5 P.M.

Crestline Field at Crestline Elementary School

Hosted by the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama’s Junior Board, the ninth annual Bolt for Breast Cancer 5k and “Dolly Dash” one-mile fun run will be a day of fun and competition for everyone! After the races, stick around for refreshments, fun field activities, music and face painting! Registration is $35 for adults, $25 for children ages 4-12 or free for children ages 3 and under. Find more details and register at bcrfa.org.

AUG. 1

Trussville Dog Daze 225 Parkway Drive

AUG. 8

Mitchell’s Place Dragon Boat Race & Festival East Lake Park

AUG. 8

Bingo Loco Iron City Bham

AUG. 11

First Day of School for Mountain Brook City Schools

AUG. 12-16

Bill Bugg and Friends - Part 9 Homewood Theatre

AUG. 15

Sierra Ferrell Avondale Brewing Company

AUG. 21-SEPT. 20

“Come From Away” Red Mountain Theatre

AUG. 28

Benson Boone Legacy Arena

AUG. 29

Back to School Bash

Patriot Park

SEPT. 10

Senior Night

Spartan Stadium

SEPT. 11, 13

Three on a String Homewood Theatre

SEPT. 17

“Dinnertainment”

Presented by the Exceptional Foundation

The Country Club of Birmingham

SEPT. 18

Zoo Gala Birmingham Zoo

SEPT. 18-19

Fall Plant Sale

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

SEPT. 24-26

Vintage Market Days of Birmingham The Finley Center

SEPT. 25

Mountain Brook High School Homecoming

SEPT. 26

Pancakes and Princesses

Birmingham Zoo

OCT. 2

Youth Football & Youth Cheer Night and 1976 State Champions Recognition

Spartan Stadium

OCT. 10-11, 17-18, 24-25 & 31

Hoots & Howls

Birmingham Zoo

OCT. 13

Journey Legacy Arena

OCT. 21

CeCe Winans Legacy Arena

OCT. 23

Haunt the Hills

Wald Park

OCT. 24

Halloween in the Heights & Cahaba Heights Witches Ride

Heights Village

OCT. 26

Fall Festival & Homewood Witches Ride

Homewood Central Park

OCT. 30

Boo Halloween Party

Benefiting Blood Cancer United B&A Warehouse

OCT. 30

Barkit Market at Ross Bridge 2101 Grand Avenue

Harvest on Hoyt

4-8 P.M.

101 Hoyt Lane

As a joint effort by the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce and the Mountain Brook Chamber Junior Board, the third annual Harvest on Hoyt dinner will take place outdoors on Hoyt Lane, featuring the talents of multiple Mountain Brook businesses. Event attendees will taste red

and white wine samples from Finch Fine Wines, while dining on a hearty, four-course feast from Dyron’s Lowcountry. Attendees can also look forward to live music, photo opportunities and more. Proceeds from this event will go toward future, student-led projects that will benefit the city, chamber and community. Tickets are $200 and nonrefundable. Find more details and purchase tickets at mtnbrookchamber.org.

Friday Night Lights

Come out to cheer on the Spartans this season!

AUG. 21: at Hueytown

AUG. 28: at UMS Wright

SEPT. 4: at Homewood

SEPT. 10: vs. Helena

SEPT. 18: at Chilton County

SEPT. 25: vs. Oxford

OCT. 2: vs. Ramsay

OCT. 9: at Calera

OCT. 16: vs. Chelsea

OCT. 22: vs. Pelham

ARTS CULTURE&

GOD’S PLAN

Law Lamar’s memoir, Law of Miracles, chronicles his spiritual journey into servant-hearted leadership.

BY

LLaw Lamar had plans. God had plot twists.

The Mountain Brook resident has spent the last 25 years in ministry serving lesser affluent communities, spreading the Gospel through acts of blind faith. An accountant by trade, Law founded Friends of Hale County in 2002 around the time a dire surgery permanently altered his perspective on privilege.

His years of service are recounted in his newly released memoir, “Law of Miracles,” which weaves together 110 different stories that some may chalk up to coincidence.

He calls them his “case for Christ.”

After graduating from Shades Valley High School, Law began his collegiate journey at Furman University, where, by his own admittance, he majored in “social graces” more so than in academics. When he was required to take physical education, he

struck a deal with his advisor and instead tried out for spring football, becoming its fifth-string defensive end.

At the time, the team only had four defensive end positions. Law was, simply put, the fifth.

By the eighth day of practice, he moved up to be the starting defensive end; it was a good payoff but came with a cost. One day at practice, he was targeted and hit head-on by another player.

“I was hurt, but I got up like the boys do and shrugged it off and continued to practice,” Law says. “Then 30 years later on a cold night, a pain hit my neck, and I knew exactly that pain. It was from that targeting.”

He had almost forgotten about that injury until it forced him to have neck surgery—during which time he heard the Holy Spirit speak.

“I woke up and my eyes opened and at the end of the bed, a nurse was holding my foot and saying to the doctor, ‘He’s paralyzed from the waist down,’” Law says. “Then I closed my eyes and I heard someone saying a prayer and all I can remember is saying to myself, ‘That is a very noble prayer.’”

The surgical team implemented an immediate, second surgery to course correct after discovering a drop of blood on his spinal cord, contributing to his paralysis. In between these two procedures, the surgeon told Law’s wife, Janet, that he may become quadriplegic.

Despite his odds of recovering being 5,000 to 1, Law eventually regained full mobility, and he never forgot that noble prayer.

“That was a sign,” Law says. “You know, you recover from something like that, and then you think God is saying, ‘Go out into the field, and do work for me.’”

The work in question, Law says, did come but in an unexpected way. While on a trip to Florida, a question popped into his head: Who’s responsible for the poor?

Unsure where this inquiry was coming from, he dismissed the thought.

“It’s two weeks later, and I’m harmlessly sitting

somewhere, not concentrating on anything,” he says. “I hear again, ‘Who’s responsible for the poor?’ Because it was two weeks later, and because I was asking myself a dumb question, I just said, ‘Churches. Let’s change the subject.’”

Two weeks after that, he hears it again: Who’s responsible for the poor? Unable to avoid the persistent questioning, Law says he began wondering if God was trying to speak to him, but he shrugged it off, thinking God had better things to do.

It was not until Law was reading up on Bob Riley’s and Don Siegelman’s 2002 gubernatorial race that the poor made a real impression on him. He says he noticed neither candidate was campaigning in Hale County—he was not surprised.

According to friendsofhalecounty.org, Hale County is in Alabama’s Black Belt region, which was originally named for its dark soil. However, the region also makes up a significant portion of the state’s African American population, which gives the name a “whole new meaning,” and faces staggering rates of unemployment, under-achieving school systems, single-parent families, high teen birth rates and limited access to healthcare.

“I had a funny thought, ‘Why me?’” Law says. “That’s how it got started. I decided it may have been

“In all these efforts, the Friends of Hale County Foundation maintains its primary goal of demonstrating Jesus Christ’s commandment to love your neighbor and thereby glorify God. This isn’t about me. Trust me on that. As you read these stories, you’ll quickly see how the best thing I could do was get out of the way and let God do His thing. And boy, did He ever.”

-Law Lamar, “Law of Miracles”

God that was doing that, so I thought, ‘Ok, I’m going to do a project.’”

Law partnered with members of his Sunday school class to put together and deliver boxes of hygiene items to people in Greensboro, a city in Hale County.

“On the way home, I thought, ‘How stupid. That’s condescending, giving people toothbrushes and thinking I’m changing their lives,’” Law says. “Then I said to God, ‘Ok, I’ll give you six months, and I’ll do whatever you want me to do in six months. After that, we’re through.’”

throwing a wrench in his “rock solid” plan.

“When she called up the next day, she said, ‘No, don’t give them to the young people because their boyfriends will take them out and sell them and buy drugs.’ Perfect timing,” Law says. “I said, ‘Well, Ok, that is important.’ At the time, I was thinking I’m better than an elderly woman. I’m just plain smart.”

GALATIANS 2:10

“All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I had been eager to do all along.”

After returning home from that first project—one he deems a failure—Law says Janet asked him about purchasing washing machines for people in need. Thinking it was a tremendous idea, Law raised money, acquired some appliances and planned to deliver them.

It was not long before a recipient of one of those boxes, Mary Greene, phoned Law up, completely

Chuckling, Law says God humbled him 10 ways to Sunday over the course of his “six-month plan.”

Mary hand-picked all the beneficiaries— elderly folks between 70-

93 who had never owned a washing machine in their lives. During this time, Law ran into a friend, Jeff Hansen, who then-worked for the Birmingham News and asked if he could interview the next recipient.

That individual was 92-year-old E.V. Horton, who was so excited to receive her new washing machine that she mustered the strength to stand, walk over to it and hug it with all her might when it arrived. Her

LAURA LANE

picture made the front page shortly thereafter.

“Up until then, I wasn’t really sure God was involved in what was going on. I really had my doubts about what I was doing and whether it really could make any difference,” Law says in his memoir.

With one washing machine left, the crew went right next door to E.V.’s caretaker Elmira Horton’s home, which was about 9-by-12 feet and did not have heat or running water. Elmira only had room for one bed, nothing more.

Law says they could not get her washing machine inside, so they began looking for other solutions.

One of his acquaintances, Pam Chism, learned that South Federal Savings Bank rented out mobile homes, and through a couple of phone calls, one was donated to the cause.

“We prayed for a mobile home, and one week later, there’s a mobile home,” Law says. “I’m like, ‘Surely my prayer didn’t do that. Maybe hers.’”

The blessings never ceased. Law’s crew later partnered with Auburn Rural Studio to build Elmira a 60-foot deck, so she could sit outside and enjoy the views.

One by one, every prayer was answered.

“I just marveled,” he says. “I kept thinking, ‘You know, there was Mary Greene on that phone call,

and she knew more than I did. Today, I’m looking at a 60-foot deck with a 60-foot mobile home and people giving her a washing machine and giving her this and giving her that, doors, windows. I’m going to get credit for this, but I don’t deserve it. I didn’t do anything.’”

Then came the miracle that cemented his faith.

Through mutual connections, Law toured the city of Akron and saw firsthand the devastating effects of generational poverty.

“Another woman that was 91 years old was sitting on her front porch,” Law says. “We’re talking with her, and we noticed that the back half of her house was caved in. She didn’t have enough money to fix it. She just left it, and then she looked at us and said, ‘I prayed for somebody to come.’”

Law recalls thinking that he knew absolutely nothing about construction, but he was not going to let this woman down.

Sure enough, God provided yet another unlikely connection: a carpenter’s group at Helena Methodist Church. While on the phone with the pastor, Law asked for directions from his house to the church and scribbled each number down, representing each highway and state route.

On his way to their first meeting, Law feared his

speech would not motivate this small group to take on such a significant project—40 houses.

“Five minutes later, an idea hits me, and I write it down,” Law says. “I thought, ‘That’s not a good idea, God. I know you’ve been really good and accurate throughout your life, but you busted it this time.’”

While giving his speech, Law quickly realized he was not selling the group well at all. One gentleman was even nodding off in the back.

Instead, he decided to try something wild—trust God—and do what God told him to do: Ask the group to memorize all 51 digits he’d written down in just 20 seconds. At first, the group protested, saying it was impossible.

Then, Law asked the pastor to repeat the driving directions, using only numbers, and without realizing it, the pastor recited the entire sequence flawlessly.

“Everybody in there was just in shock,” Law says. “One guy said, ‘Well, I’m off Thursday. I’ll go down to Akron and see what I can do.’ Another guy said, ‘Hey, I’m off Thursday. I’ll go with you.’ They went down and came back and soon thereafter the preacher got up and said, ‘This is our project for the next several years.’”

That one carpenter’s group of just 17 individuals fixed a whopping 40 houses over the next three

summers.

“I love this story. It convinced me that God was in my work more than anything, even though it was obvious several times,” Law says. “I would keep coming back saying, ‘I don’t know about that,’ and then it would happen.”

Today, Law Lamar’s reluctant “six-month” commitment to God has not only transformed his life, but also the lives of countless others over the last 25 years. Since its inception, Friends of Hale County has expanded into 27 counties across Alabama and Mississippi, pouring more than $8 million into these counties’ housing, healthcare and education systems.

Published in May 2026, “Law of Miracles” is his testament to obedience and from it, the beautiful things God does when people accept their charge. For Law, the greatest miracle was never the washing machines, the mobile home, nor the 40 restored houses.

It was always the answer to a question that became his life’s calling, “I am,” and the lives he touched while embracing God’s plan.

“Law of Miracles” is available for purchase on Amazon. To learn more information about Friends of Hale County or how to volunteer or donate, visit friendsofhalecounty.org.

Double Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeons

Thank you, Mountain Brook

READ THIS BOOK

Thrillers Down your Spine

Recommendations from Henry Goff

O’Neal Library Young Adult Department

Titus Groan

By Mervyn Peake | Fantasy

As the Alabama summer gets hotter, muggier and all around more unpleasant, we’re all looking for ways to cool off and beat the heat—and what better way to do so than by sending a shiver down your spine? While they may not come with their own air conditioner, these five thrillers and fantasy novels come with tight, cold prose, eerie Gothic atmospheres and tingling plots that are sure to chill you to your bones, even in the middle of August.

This rediscovered classic from postwar-England follows the residents of Gormenghast, a medieval castle that’s just as inviting as the name makes it sound. Peake paints an all-too-evocative picture of grimy stone, rotting ivy and dripping candles as the backdrop for his equally ghastly and dour cast of characters. Castle residents with names like Rottcodd or Prunesquallor become pawns in the ambitious machinations of the cunning urchin Steerpike. It’s a bizarro-world-P. G. Wodehouse novel that’s equal parts grimly, hilarious and gruesomely suspenseful.

The Secret History

By Donna Tartt | Thriller

Tartt’s dark, propulsive prose captures a set of tight-knit classics majors who take things too far to get rid of their bothersome classmate. Even though you know the crime from the opening pages, you can’t rip yourself away from this collection of troubled bookworms as they try to cover up their deed in the snowy, leatherbound setting of an elite Vermont liberal arts college.

A Study in Drowning

By Ava Reid | Fantasy

Architecture student Effy Sayre travels to a decaying manor house in the rain-drenched countryside to escape her misogynistic university and abusive professor, hoping to learn more about the house’s deceased owner— her favorite author, Emrys Myrddin. But as Effy learns more about the truth behind Myrddin’s most famous book, she teams up with a smug, handsome literature student to set the record straight—before they can be stopped by the house, the storms and a dark, sinister magic.

The Raven Boys

By Maggie Stiefvater | Fantasy

A psychic’s daughter teams up with a group of lovable misfits from a nearby private school in this funny, mysterious, dark academia novel. Though she’s always detested “Raven Boys”—students at the uber-expensive, uber-prestigious Aglionby Academy—Blue Sargent still finds herself drawn to a group of Raven Boys led by the studious Gansey as they try to track down the tomb of an ancient king. But as they delve into mystic tomes and venture into the Virginia forests, they start to realize that someone—or something—is chasing them.

The Only One Left

By Riley Sager | Thriller

We open in 1983 with the 30-something underachiever Kit being sent to a remote seaside mansion in Maine to give home care to its elderly resident. Her patient? Lenora Hope, a woman accused and acquitted of murdering her entire family decades before—and as far as the world is concerned, she got away with it. Kit learns more about Lenora and realizes there’s a lot more to the story than the world thinks—but will she find out before the New England storms bring the decrepit, bloodstained mansion crashing into the sea? Or is Lenora just about to get away with another murder?

SCHOOL SPORTS&

THE WINNING BOND

The Spartans varsity boys lacrosse team dominates another season with coordination and synergy.

BY KATELYN SMITH

SPAR TANS

TThere’s no ‘I’ in ‘team,’ and the Mountain Brook Spartans varsity boys lacrosse team proved that to be true as they won the Alabama State Championship this past season, their second consecutive state title. In a close game against Vestavia Hills on May 2, the team pulled ahead for a final score of 13-7.

Led by head coach Mike Catenacci and coaches Evan Lalande, Matt Dumbleton, Harris Jeffords, Robert Marquet, Justin Sherrer and Carson Sterling, the Spartans finished their rewarding

season undefeated, remaining 15-0.

The Mountain Brook Spartans have won several state titles in lacrosse, their first in 2006. Since then, they’ve taken state titles home for years 2007, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2025. This season’s win marks their eighth state title, an honor for which the team is very proud.

The team manager and Mike’s wife, Kaira Catenacci, worked closely with the team all season and enjoyed watching them work together and grow.

SPAR TANS

match his found Anders

Anders was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition that was affecting his immune health and significantly impacting his overall development. His doctors determined his best treatment option was a bone marrow transplant, and luckily Anders found his match and received his transplant. Now Anders is reaching new developmental milestones and is starting to get back to being a normal kid.

“I would describe the personality of this team as generous, meaning there wasn’t anyone that was in it for themselves,” Kaira says. “They really worked together very well. They wanted each other to thrive, they wanted each other to succeed, and they were smart…They knew that they were not going to be successful any other way.”

While on the field, no one player would keep the ball for themselves, instead communicating with their teammates to pass the ball along the field to the goal.

Mike and the coaching staff have been coaching many of the boys on the team since they were only 6 or 7 years old in recreational lacrosse and travel teams, so it’s been a journey of growth that both Mike and Kaira have been proud to watch.

Childrens AL •org

We are here in your neighborhood at the Mayfair Medical Group and Over the Mountain Pediatrics.

“I think the culture of the team really started with the seniors,” Mike says. “They had played together for so long, and the captains really sort of were like coaches on the field and really created a really good sort of cooperative work environment for the rest of the team and leading by example.”

There were nine seniors overall on the team, most of them having been coached by Mike for a large portion of their life. Attackman Roscoe Bare

dominated the season with 45 goals and 57 points overall, while face-off specialist Abbotte Browning won 75 percent of face-offs throughout the season.

The team’s senior goalie Luke Catenacci ended with a 65.43 percent save percentage. Other senior players that led the team were midfielders Raynor Brom, Sam Smith and James Henderson, as well as defenders Harrison Axley, Ayden Pledger and William Keith.

Additional younger players on the team with standout performances include junior attackman Harper Nichols, junior midfielder Archie Andrews, junior defender Skip Stuermann, junior defender Watkins McCollough, sophomore attackman Jack Staples and sophomore midfielder Colton Hofstra.

“The seniors were great—they were very inclusive,” Kaira says. “They were encouraging to the younger players…and kind to the younger players, which in essence made them great leaders. Their attitude as seniors is everything. I mean, it’s so important in the success of a team.”

For this team, there’s connection both on and off the lacrosse field. Many of the players have been playing together for years, forming a strong bond and chemistry that shows when they play on the field.

Whatever tomorrow brings, we’ll show up with a plan.

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On the day before the championship, Mike and Kaira started a new tradition and hosted lunch for the team at their house. It was a way for the team to soothe their nerves about the upcoming game.

At one point during the lunch, Mike asked each of the seniors to stand up and share their favorite memories and meaningful messages to the team.

“You could hear somebody talking, and then hear them clapping, but all of them were focused on being in the moment and enjoying it because it’s just such a wonderful experience and it absolutely flies by,” Kaira says.

Another tradition Mike started this season was taking off their equipment and just playing team handball at the last practice of the season. It was a fun moment for the players to enjoy their time together playing a game with low stakes.

They even had ice cream sandwiches delivered to the field.

“I think in the end, the best thing about sports is the social interaction,” Mike says. “These kids really enjoyed each other, and that is really the biggest memory for me.”

No winning season comes without its challenges, and the 2026 season had a few. With

Exceptional full-ser vice veterinar y care with a personal touch.

several key players getting injured, the team had to persevere and substitute with second-string players.

To remain undefeated, the Spartans simply had to meet the challenge.

The day the championship took place was an emotional one, as it was the seniors’ last game and the last time Mike would be coaching this group he had been fostering since they were younger. Even as the team scored the first goal of the game, they knew they needed to stay focused.

Mike remembers not knowing how the game would go, as both teams were well matched.

It ended up being a tight game, with both teams’ defense being exceptional. Although they were scoring back and forth the entire game, Mountain Brook pulled ahead in the fourth quarter.

With only six more points than Vestavia’s team, the Spartans heard the buzzer signifying the end of the game and immediately rushed their goalie, Luke, pouring Gatorade over his head and jumping around in a huddle.

“I think [the win] was important for the kids and I think it was important for the seniors because they had worked so hard with Mike for so

long and they wanted to finish on a high note,” Kaira says. “I think it was important for the younger starters that are playing with the seniors because they’ve been kind of like a family growing up, playing together, and the younger kids wanted to win it for the seniors.”

No team is dependent on one player, and every player on the Spartans’ team contributed to the championship win. The Mountain Brook Spartans may have already made a mark on Alabama lacrosse with their teamwork, generosity and kindness for one another, but they still look forward to being back on the field next year, ready to dominate another season, together as one.

FIVE QUESTIONS FOR

Stacy Dorsten Math Coach at Crestline Elementary

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

A native of Pleasant Grove, Alabama, Stacy Dorsten earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Auburn University, her Master of Education in Curriculum and Teaching from the University of Montevallo, as well as a certification in Educational Leadership from Samford University. As a military spouse, she has had the unique opportunity to teach in various locations over the years. For the past 18 years, she has been proud to be a part of the Mountain Brook Schools community at Crestline Elementary. Here, she delves into her passion as a teacher and the importance of lessons educators impart on their students.

Where did your passion for teaching originate?

Both of my parents were dedicated to the field of education—my mother taught typing and shorthand in secondary education, while my father was a sixth-grade math and science teacher. Growing up surrounded by my parents left a lasting impression on me. I still remember receiving the Fisher Price School House as my best Christmas gift ever at the age of 4, and that’s when my journey into the world of teaching truly began!

Looking back on all of the educators you had, who do you think had the greatest impact on you?

Reflecting on my educational journey, my parents undoubtedly had the greatest impact on me, but there are many others who have shaped my life at various stages. In elementary school, my third-grade teacher left a lasting impression by teaching us cursive through poetry and psalms. The conversations and stories that went along with those lessons still stick with me to this day. During my college years, I was

influenced by a couple who led a small group I was part of, imparting valuable life lessons through their example. While serving as a military officer’s spouse at the Naval Academy, I was particularly grateful for the support of the captain and the commandant’s wife, who guided me through a steep learning curve.

What is the greatest gift an educator can pass on to his or her students?

The greatest gift an educator can pass on to his or her students is the importance of developing a relationship and instilling the “power of yet.” This gift embodies the idea of perseverance; it teaches students that they may not know how to do something today, but with consistent encouragement and guidance, practice and effort, they can achieve their goals. By instilling this mindset, educators empower their students to embrace challenges, learn from their mistakes and ultimately grow into resilient individuals capable of overcoming obstacles.

What classroom memory has inspired you the most during your career?

When I see true engagement, it’s unmistakable—a child’s or teacher’s eyes light up with genuine curiosity and their body language shifts from restless to focused. In those moments, they stop watching the clock; instead, they lean forward, ask unprompted questions and lose themselves in the learning. It’s the difference between compliance and connection, and it reminds me why I teach. That’s the good stuff!

Which lessons do you love teaching the most?

I find that when students are presented with meaningful challenges, especially if they are accompanied by a literature hook, they naturally fall more in love with the material. By encouraging them to work together and discuss their thought processes, they deepen their understanding. This dynamic creates an environment where students feel empowered to explore new concepts, fostering a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom.

FOOD DRINK&

A TASTE OF THE PAST

Donny Harwell’s business, Sweet Home Foods, offers bites of flavor and nostalgia.

BY KATELYN SMITH

SCHAFER

OOn the back terrace of his childhood home in Auburn, Alabama, young Donny Harwell would sit and watch as his father cooked on the barbeque pit. His father would call for him, saying, “Bo, come out and sit with me.”

By 8 years old, Donny would be on the side of the pit, helping his father cook for their family. From that backyard barbeque pit, a lifelong spark for cooking began to ignite.

Now 75 years old, Donny owns his own culinary business, Sweet Home Foods. Using fresh and healthy ingredients from the South, Sweet Home Foods offers a line of different delicacies, from alcohol-free muscadine juices to jams, jellies and sauces.

Although Donny grew up cooking with his father and continued throughout college, he ended up attending New York University and majoring in retail.

“I was born and raised in the retail business,” he says. “My [grandfather], Harold Reed, was his name. He had a clothing store in Auburn.”

Reed & Harwell’s was a very small store but a fun place to grow up for Donny. He recalls waiting on his first customer when he was 8 years old and felt like he had a natural gift for retail.

After graduating from NYU, Donny returned to Auburn and the store—then called Harwell’s. He and his older brother, Sonny, ran the store together and eventually expanded it to Birmingham.

“I was cooking the whole time,” he says, “and just really enjoyed it.”

After moving to Birmingham, Donny became chairman of the board of King’s Ranch Ministries, a childhood trauma-recovery ministry. It was also a place where he could use his culinary passion to feed the ministry.

He then met Jennifer in 1995 and eventually married her. The two of them merged their families, and Donny began his job as the family cook, making meals for Jennifer and their children.

“We had a wonderful marriage for many years, but she told me before we got married, she said, ‘Now Donny, I got to tell you something,’” Donny recalls. “I said, ‘What is it?’ I thought she was fixing to tell me goodbye. She said, ‘I don’t cook, and I hate to go to the grocery store.’ Well, I said, ‘I got this.’”

Jennifer was also an artist who painted frequently. Together, she and Donny would open galleries together and sell her work all over the country. Around

2008, she began to paint art of sports teams because it was becoming popular, which gave Donny an idea.

“I said that we should take the sports art, and we should see if we can find a winery that will put the sports labels on the wine bottles because I believe they will really, really sell,” Donny says.

Jennifer and Donny formed a partnership with Vizzini Winery in Calera and began to create sports teams’ art for bottles of wine. They started with two college sports teams, Auburn University and the University of Alabama.

The line of wines took off in multiple states, and Jennifer ended up painting around 60 school teams and mascots for the collection.

The two of them were forced to slow their business, when Jennifer was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer. She eventually passed away in 2013, leaving Donny to take a step back and enter a period of solitude.

“After just a little while, I thought about ramping that business back up, but I didn’t want to do it with alcohol,” Donny says. “I thought, ‘Well, here’s an opportunity to do something and it not be alcohol because there’s so many restrictions when you sell alcohol.’”

With this new idea and his culinary passion, the

-Donny Harwell

wanted to keep for all of his culinary creations.

With the help of his friend Lynne Bush, they created recipes for different flavors of juices and eventually a label for them that stuck.

Donny and Lynne started to sell the muscadine “With

juices at farmers markets. Their first one was in Andalusia, Alabama.

“We took the red and white muscadine juice, and Lynne and I set up a table,” Donny says. “We had chilled two bottles and poured little samples, and we sold out in about an hour. I thought this might work in Birmingham.”

The juices continued to sell well as Donny traveled from farmers market to farmers market. Suddenly, he had stores wanting to sell it.

At the peak of Sweet Home Foods, his products were sold in more than a hundred stores.

Then, he began to experiment with other recipes and eventually started to sell jams, jellies, sauces and pickled goods of his own creation.

“It was kind of a natural progression,” Donny says. “With the muscadine grape being the heart of what we were doing, I thought we ought to develop a muscadine jelly and then a scuppernong jelly…and then it kind of went from there. People would say, ‘Do you have any so-and-so grape?’ We said, ‘No, but we’re going to develop it,’ and we did.”

Donny’s line of jams and jellies features a variety of flavors from Alabama Sweet Tea Jelly to Sweet Potato Butter and Maple Bacon Jam. He also began to make pickled goods such as moonshine pickles, pickled okra and pickled asparagus.

Through the farmers markets, Sweet Home Foods gained popularity not only for its healthy and fresh, southern ingredients, but also flavors that bring up old memories.

“Many people come to the table at these markets

that I still love to do and they say, ‘Can I try something?’” Donny says. “Then, they’ll say, ‘Oh, my grandfather used to make the best muscadine wine, and it hits them in the heart and hits them on the tongue. Even though it doesn’t have alcohol in it, it takes them back in history.”

For him, his collection of barbeque sauces, particularly the beer bourbon barbeque sauce, takes him back to his father grilling at the barbeque pit when he was a child. His father often made his own sauce in a pot by the grill, adding ketchup, hot sauce and spices until it was to his liking.

It was one thing Donny learned to make at a very young age.

When he tastes his own barbeque sauce, he is transported right back to that little backyard terrace with his father.

“I hope [customers] use my product and not only enjoy the flavor and the goodness of it, but I hope it can be sort of like eating history,” he says.

Looking forward, Donny pledges to continue offering healthy, fresh delicacies while promising a taste that is uniquely southern and nostalgic.

To learn more about Sweet Home Foods, the business’ upcoming events or purchase products, visit sweethomefood.com.

Proudly serving our intentional neighbors in Homewood!

Best Real Estate Team

THE FRED SMITH GROUP THE FRED SMITH GROUP

We are excited to share that we have been chosen as the area ’ s Best Real Estate Team AGAIN ! We are truly grateful to our clients who continue t o support us and to refer us to colleagues , friends and family .

Since 1995 , our team has proudly represented buyers and seller s across the area , closing on well over 5 properties What sets us apart is simple : Teamwork Experienced agents , marketing experts , and dedicated listing and closing coordinators uni quely position The Fred Smith Group to deliver the highest quality service in the Birmingh am area Our team has the agic ity covered !

From pricing and marketing , to negotiations , we ’ ve got you covered and with RealtySouth ’ s trusted brand backing us , we serve you throughout your buying or selling ou rney . Our clients know they can rely on us for expert adv ice , quick results , and a seamless experience Our reputation is built on results , trust , and a commitment to excellence . You can count on The Fred Smith Group – for every move you make !

FIVE QUESTIONS FOR

LeAnn E. Wood Owner of Ousler Sandwiches

PHOTO

CONTRIBUTED

Conceptualized in 1915, Ousler Sandwiches was founded by Dana Ousler in Five Points South in Birmingham, Alabama. Today, it is owned by LeAnn E. Wood, whose grandmother Christine Elmore began working at the sandwich shop when she was 15 years old. Years later, Christine purchased the business in 1953 and ran it until it was passed down to her son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Becky Elmore, in 2005. When they retired in 2023, their daughter LeAnn and her husband took over the business and plan to keep moving forward as they approach 112 years in business. Here, LeAnn discusses her pride in owning her family’s decades-old sandwich shop and the best items on the menu.

What is your background in the food industry?

I started working weekends at Ousler Sandwiches when I was 16, but I actually have two degrees in history education and taught in the Hoover City Schools system for seven years before my mom and dad moved the sandwich shop to Mountain Brook. My husband also has two degrees in education but moved into real estate and now has his own brokerage. My parents wanted us to have our own careers before diving completely into Ousler Sandwiches.

What is the best sandwich to order on the menu?

The Chicken Salad Sandwich is our number-one seller, and the Pimento Cheese Sandwich is second.

For newcomers, which item would they be remiss not to try first?

My personal favorites are Chicken

Salad, Egg Salad and our newer sandwich, Turkey and Cheese, but I really love them all. Now we sell all of our spreads in 4-ounce and 8-ounce containers. This way, customers can eat them with crackers. Taking ruffle chips and using the chicken salad as a dip is yummy. We have also started using ezCater for delivery and Gold Belly for shipping. We started the “Show us your Ousler” campaign, where people send in pictures of them eating or displaying Ousler Sandwiches for a chance to win free food or merchandise.

What do you love most about your job?

I love making people happy. People come in and say, “I’m starving!” I know I can fix that problem.

What would you like to say to your customers for their support?

We could not have been in business for

111 years without our loyal customers. Our customers are the kindest, funniest, dearest people. I love to see them when they come in. It’s like having a family reunion every day. We are blessed beyond measure. I also love all the stories our customers tell. One example would be a sweet lady came in and said, “I had your sandwiches at my wedding 50 years ago, and now, I want them at my 50th anniversary celebration.” Another said, “I had your sandwiches at my daughter’s baby shower and are so excited to have them at her wedding.” We are truly honored to be part of the most important events in people’s lives.

Ousler Sandwiches is located at 261 Rele Street in Mountain Brook. It is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. and on Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. For more information, call 205-879-1115 or visit ouslers.com.

HOME STYLE&

VILLAGE COLONIAL

Chuck and Marta Self’s newly refurbished home is reminiscent of centuries-old, timeless design.

BY ANNA GRACE

CChuck and Marta Self’s pursuit of “finding home” was largely charged by their shared passion for family. Their journey led them to Mountain Brook Village, a Mayberry-esque community in its own right. However, it was a long road getting here.

After first meeting in business school at the University of Pennsylvania, Chuck—a native of West Jefferson County, Alabama—and Marta, who hails from Piracicaba, Brazil, fell head over heels for each other.

After graduating, Chuck began working in industrial

chemicals in Philadelphia; whereas, Marta moved home to Brazil and started her career in business consulting. They dated long distance for one year before tying the knot in Marta’s hometown.

Marta then moved to Alabama, where the couple purchased their first home together in Ross Bridge in spring 2006. They soon brought their daughters Sophia and Olivia into the world in 2007 and 2009.

Then in 2012, Chuck and Marta opted for a change in scenery, moving their family to The Preserve in Hoover. There, they became acquainted with

Facade

Rich in curb appeal, the timeless white exterior features hand-crafted dentil molding and stately shutters, reminiscent of Federal-style Colonial architecture the couple so loves. It gives the appearance of a house standing the test of time, though only five years old.

builder Cris Speegle and architect David Smelcer, who they would work with in building their dream home years later.

Finally, in December 2018, the Selfs purchased a fixer upper on a quaint, quiet street in Mountain Brook.

Initially, the couple wanted to preserve as much of the original build as they could, but the house proved to be in dire need. A tree had begun growing out one side of the house, and mold had seeped into the infrastructure. Not wanting to risk their family’s health, the Selfs tore down the existing structure and built anew, trying to repurpose as many details such as the kitchens’ pulls

Entryway

This marbled end table serves as an eye-catching focal point for the interior walkway. Peering down from the third floor, one can see the top of the entryway’s buffet through the stairwell.

from the original build.

Today, their house features six bedrooms and fiveand-a-half bathrooms, including a spacious kitchenand-living room open concept and a sprawling back deck. The house also has three above-ground levels, making it spacious-yet-cozy enough for hosting family gatherings.

Yet, what Chuck and Marta love most about their home is not its design but the memories they have made with their loved ones within its walls. Truly, they say, there’s no better place to raise a family or to grow up and grow old than in a community that is worth the wait.

Sitting Room

By light of the fire, Marta spends most mornings cozied up with her Bible, reading her daily devotionals in this tiny retreat. The Alabama limestone fireplace anchors the space while the arched entryway elevates the room, paying homage to the Selfs’ previous homes’ interior design.

Dining Room

The dining room features a grand table and chairs with a low-hanging, stately chandelier that sets the tone for the space. A treasured piece, the mirror adorning the posterior wall was given to the family as a gift and has found its “home” in their now-dining suite.

Wet Bar

Inspired by the florals in her grandmother’s kitchen, Marta hand-painted this design along her wet bar’s walls. Pictured above, these gold-wrapped glasses were given to Marta’s parents as a wedding gift and were later passed down to Marta.

Kitchen

The light and airy kitchen features Brazilian quartzite countertops as a nod to Marta’s homeland, and the cabinet pulls were all repurposed from the original house to preserve its connection to the past.

Master Bathroom

This elegant space Marta helped design features his-and-hers sinks, a walk-in shower, built-in shelving and a clawfoot tub.

Powder Room

Marta hand-painted the walls in her powder room, opting for an upscale-yetunpretentious design to give the previously blank walls some personality.

Living Room

Connecting to the kitchen, the living room is the site of fellowship anchoring the house. The sofas and ottoman were procured from Mantooth Interiors, adding a touch of modern to this rather traditional space. This landscape features Sophia and Olivia playing alongside the Piracicaba River. It was commissioned by one of the family’s dear friends, Naomi Gignilliat. This handmade wooden cathedral was purchased in a street market in Fortaleza, Brazil.

BUILDER: Cris Speegle, Speegle Construction

ARCHITECT: David Smelcer, David Smelcer Design and Construction

Back Deck

Custom designed by Cris Speegle, the deck railing showcases his expert craftsmanship—a detail the Selfs loved to include to pay tribute to the talent that helped build their dream home.

Celebrating Excellence in Insurance

CAC is proud to be named Mountain Brook’s Best Insurance Agency of 2025, with Billy Walker recognized as Best Agent in 2026. Our Personal Lines Practice offers top-tier advisory and insurance services for high-net-worth clients, including:

• Aircraft

• Watercraft

• Builder’s Risk

• Private Collections

• Life Insurance

• Automobile Insurance

• Personal Excess Liability

• Homeowners Insurance

• Equine Insurance Protection

Thank you, Mountain Brook, for your trust and support!

cacgroup.com

By Katelyn Smith

LIFE TO YEARS

Chiropractor

Brad Hassig gives every patient what he was given: a second chance.

NNot everyone gets a second chance at life, but after being saved from what was almost a fatal accident, Brad Hassig is seeing the world through new eyes. As a chiropractor, his new appreciation for life, deep-rooted faith and desire to help others are conveyed to his patients.

Brad is the owner and founder of Hassig Family Chiropractic in Mountain Brook. Along with his wife Dr. Lori Hassig, the two of them pride themselves on providing the best care for their patients.

Brad, originally from Indiana, grew up very involved in sports. He was the starting high school quarterback, pole vaulted in track, wrestled and played basketball, golf and baseball. Although he enjoyed being active in these sports, he also suffered from the numerous injuries and falls that came

from them. After suffering from lower back pain for a while, he finally saw a chiropractor and that night, he felt no pain.

“I knew I wanted to do something in healthcare—I just wasn’t sure what,” Brad says. “I’d investigated orthopedic surgery, physical therapy, but I just really loved the natural overall wellness approach of chiropractic. I love working with the people and making a plan based on the patient’s needs.”

After he graduated high school, Brad attended Indiana University Bloomington and was a pre-med biology major. He was set on going to medical school until he talked to one of his pledge brother’s dads who was a chiropractor. After that talk, he changed his plans completely and knew that he wanted to go into chiropractic.

He then attended Logan University in Missouri to

get his Doctor of Chiropractic degree. There, he also met Lori who was just starting at Logan College of Chiropractic as he was leaving.

Brad moved down to Mountain Brook after graduating and opened his practice on Oct. 1, 2001. Lori later joined him at Hassig Family Chiropractic after graduating in 2003.

“One of the biggest, greatest blessings in my life is that I serve alongside my wife Dr. Lori every day,” Brad says. “She is just an incredible clinician, leader, mother, stabilizing force with family and with the practice. So I’m just grateful for that partnership.”

November

The two of them have been serving the Mountain Brook area in their practice for nearly 25 years, offering all kinds of chiropractic treatments for injuries, spine-related issues and pain. They see people of all ages and love to serve families. They aim to give their patients relief while also ensuring that they’re attentive to their needs.

“You’re giving patients a second chance,” Brad says.

Although ensuring that patients have a second chance in his job, Brad was also given a second chance of his own. In June 2022, Brad was saved by his twin sons after he began to drown in their backyard pool.

After playing golf in the summer heat, Brad came home and decided to get into the pool to cool off and do some breathing exercises. He often practices spiritual meditation to strengthen his faith. The last thing he remembers is reciting the Lord’s Prayer to himself.

His two twin sons and their friend from next door were in the backyard and noticed that Brad’s face was blue, and he was lying on his side. When he was unresponsive, they sprang into action.

One of his sons and their friend jumped into the pool and managed to carry him to the stairs. His son luckily knew how to give CPR and quickly began to

resuscitate Brad. After chest compressions and mouth to mouth, he came to, coughing up the salt water and blood.

While this was happening, his other son was able to get help by flagging down a car with a physician driver. He also managed to alert their neighbor who was a cardiologist. The neighbor began life saving procedures before first responders showed up and took him to Grandview Medical Center, where he stayed overnight in the cardiac ICU.

“Physically, my lungs were shot,” Brad recalls. “We had a saltwater pool. I thought that would be better, but my neighbor that was the cardiologist was like, ‘It’s one of the most irritating things to your lungs.’ So, I went from walking 18 in almost 90-degree weather on a hilly golf course to walking halfway across the room. I was out of breath like instantly.”

He wasn’t only affected physically by the accident. Emotionally, he was so grateful to be alive but also

felt guilty for what could have been. It was a very emotional recovery overall but one that left him with a new realization and outlook on life.

“It reminded me that every day is a gift, and every breath is a blessing,” Brad says. “I was very strong in my faith before it happened, but afterwards, I just really began to live life more intentionally. It reminds you that your time here is finite.”

Brad feels like his faith has only gotten stronger, and his connection with God runs even deeper than before. It solidifies his love for what he does: giving his patients the opportunity to live their life to the fullest.

have a responsibility to care for those bodies,” Brad says. “It definitely deepened my desire to help people move from just surviving to truly living.”

Every day Brad has had the privilege of being part of a patient’s transformation and their healing process. One patient he had was a teenage girl who had a go-kart accident that gave her inner back pain.

It’s become clear to him that God brought him back for a reason and a purpose, not only to heal, but also to share his faith. Now, his practice and his faith run on the same line, as he often asks to pray over his patients for their health and wellbeing.

“It reminds you that God designed our bodies with an incredible ability to heal, but then we also

She had a severe neurologic response to the pain, so much to the point where she couldn’t sit in chairs or go to school. Even shirts made with synthetic fibers aggravated the injury, so she could only wear loose-fitting, cotton shirts.

Her injury, like many of the patients Brad sees, was affecting the entire family. It was traumatic for her family members to see her suffer.

The family came into the Hassig Family practice as their last hope with tears in their eyes. Brad offered to take the girl in, and they all agreed to try the treatment.

HASSIG FAMILY FUN FACTS

• When not helping patients, Brad enjoys spending time with family, golfing, working out and serving in youth correctional ministry at the Church of the Highlands.

• As a teenager, Brad caddied and one time in a professional tournament for future British Open Runner-up Brian Watts. A young John Daley was also present.

• Since the accident, Hassig Family Chiropractic started offering Functional Nutrition to patients, an approach that focuses on the cause of disease rather than just symptoms. Brad used some of these protocols while healing his lungs and brain from the accident and wanted to share his knowledge to help others as well.

Voted Mountain Brook’s Best in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025!

“She slowly got better,” Brad says. “When she started being able to go back to school, she could go for a class a day. Then it was a half day, and then slowly, she went to being able to be in school all day. You could see how it affected her…but then to see how it affected her mom and younger sister to have her back to herself—that’s definitely an impactful one.”

The transformation of his patients is why Brad loves what he does. To see his patients respond to the treatments he performs and live healthier and more vibrant lives makes everything worth it.

Just as his outlook on life changed after his accident, he plays a part in changing his patients’ outlook on life as well. Life is precious, and should be lived to the fullest, not in suffering.

“I’ll tell people our goal isn’t to simply add years to your life—it’s to add life to your years,” Brad says. “You’re changing not just individuals, but also families. That’s legacy for them, but that’s definitely a legacy for us.”

Hassig Family Chiropractic is located at 68 Church Street, Suite B, in Mountain Brook. It is open Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., and Friday, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. For more information, visit hassigchiropractic.com.

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COMMUNITY LEADERS 2026

It’s the people who make the community what it is! Here, we recognize some of those making an impact on others around them through their businesses.

As the 2026 Board President of the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce, Katrina Porter, owner of Katrina Porter Designs, leads with a passion for collaboration and community. She believes the strongest communities are built through meaningful relationships, shared purpose, and businesses investing in one another. Mountain Brook has long been known for its villages, and that spirit inspires the Chamber’s guiding philosophy: It takes a village to build business, create community, welcome visitors and invest in the future. The Chamber brings together businesses, nonprofits, civic leaders and residents to strengthen the connections that make Mountain Brook exceptional. Katrina’s thoughtful leadership reflects that vision. By championing local businesses, fostering partnerships and encouraging community engagement, she is helping create opportunities that benefit the entire Mountain Brook community. Under her leadership, the Chamber continues its commitment to ensuring Mountain Brook remains a vibrant place to live, work, shop and invest for generations to come.

HOMEWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Rosa Hill is a Spanish bilingual Realtor® with 18 years of experience serving the Birmingham area as a member of the Jamie Goff Team at ARC Realty Homewood and a partner of Three P’s In A Pod, LLC, providing real estate consulting and property services. A Homewood resident for the past 14 years, Rosa proudly serves as the 2026 President of the Homewood Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. She has also served on the Homewood Public Library Board for the past nine years and the Homewood Chamber Board for eight years. Rosa credits her parents’ unwavering love, support and strong values for shaping her into the ambitious, faith-filled woman she is today. Rosa has volunteered with the American Red Cross, Grace House Ministries and local disaster relief efforts. She is also the proud mother of three remarkable sons—two graduates of Homewood High School and one currently attending. Whether serving clients or leading community initiatives, Rosa is passionate about helping others, building lasting relationships and making a positive impact.

WELCH GROUP

Founded in the heart of Mountain Brook by Stewart H. Welch III, The Welch Group has proudly served the community for more than four decades. As one of the area’s first fee-only financial planning firms, they remain dedicated to the mission that has defined their history: enriching lives by creating personalized, meaningful experiences in wealth management and family office services. The Welch Group understands that every financial journey is unique. Their experienced team works to craft a tailored plan that addresses your current needs while allowing for growth as life evolves. Whether you are at the peak of your career, planning for your family’s future or transitioning into retirement, they are there to guide you every step of the way. Their goal is to simplify complexities, empower you to pursue your goals and help you create a lasting legacy. The Welch Group is grateful to support the Mountain Brook community and honored to be part of your financial story. For a copy of their current written Disclosure Brochure or Form CRS, visit welchgroup.com.

At Gunn Dermatology, board-certified dermatologists Dr. Gunn and Dr. Libecco, along with Dr. Albert, FAAP, and Physician Assistant Ellen, are dedicated to helping you achieve healthy, beautiful skin at every stage of life. From medical dermatology and skin cancer detection to advanced cosmetic treatments and personalized skincare, their team combines expertise, innovation, and a patient-first approach to deliver natural, beautiful results. Whether you’re seeking preventative care, treatment for a skin concern, or aesthetic rejuvenation, you’ll receive customized care designed around your unique goals. With a commitment to education, excellence, and the latest technology, Gunn Dermatology is proud to be a trusted destination for exceptional skin care in the community. The best skin of your life starts here.

Touchdown Towns

Where will your weekends take you this fall? With autumn months comes the South’s Saturday ritual of tuning in to their favorite college team’s football games. This year, hit the road and experience the game day atmosphere live and in person. Let this guide help you plan your trip to a nearby college town and read on for details and traditions of several Southeastern Conference (SEC) teams.

HIT THE ROAD

TUSCALOOSA

Closest to the greater Birmingham area is the University of Alabama, located in Tuscaloosa. Although their mascot Big Al is an elephant, they’re more commonly known as the Crimson Tide.

The Tide play at Bryant-Denny Stadium, with over 100,000 seats that fans regularly fill up. Dress to represent the team with the classic crimson and white school colors or houndstooth print, popularized by former coach Paul “Bear” Bryant, and learn the song “Dixieland Delight” to feel right at home.

For a convenient accommodation close to the action, stay at the Hotel Capstone, which is currently rebranding to Graduate by Hilton. The hotel is located on campus and within walking distance of the stadium. Dine at Avenue Pub for traditional American fare, or try the Thai nachos or pepper jelly chicken sandwich. Need a break from the action? Walk along The Riverwalk, the paved trail along the Black Warrior River near downtown.

AUBURN

The next closest SEC destination is the Loveliest Village on the Plains, Auburn University. Just about two hours away from the Birmingham area, the Auburn Tigers play in Jordan-Hare Stadium. Their loud chants of War Eagle originated with an eagle of a Civil War veteran that became their symbol of good luck. Official school colors are orange and navy blue.

Stay a short walk away from the stadium at The Collegiate Hotel, a former Auburn dorm renovated by alumni. For a good meal to fuel up before the game, visit the classic Toomer’s Drugs on the corner between campus and downtown. Founded as a drug store in 1896, the establishment

now serves fresh lemonade, food, ice cream and Auburn memorabilia.

If the Tigers win, be prepared for the classic tradition of rolling Toomer’s Corner with toilet paper hanging from the tree branches.

STARKVILLE

Less than two and half hours from Birmingham are the Mississippi State Bulldogs in Starkville, Mississippi, occasionally referred to by the nickname, StarkVegas.

The Bulldogs play at Davis Wade Stadium in their classic school colors of maroon and white. Mississippi State’s most iconic traditions include the cowbells ringing in victory and the chant of their fight song and slogan, “Hail State.”

For a quaint hotel in walking distance from everything on campus and in town, stay at the restored Hotel Chester. Eat some fabulous barbecue at Two Brothers Smoked Meats, where every meal is a hit, especially the pulled pork sandwich.

OXFORD

Just under three hours from Birmingham is the town of Oxford, Mississippi, home of the University of Mississippi “Ole Miss” Rebels. The Rebels play at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.

Before donning cardinal red and navy blue, learn the words to the “Hotty Toddy” chant. Before kickoff, the entire stadium will lock arms and sway as they sing “Come With Me.”

Have a Creole-inspired dinner at Bouré, and eat shrimp and grits and jambalaya on the large balcony overlooking the historic Square. Also located in the Square, The Oliver Hotel is the perfect place to stay on your Oxford visit.

ATHENS

Only three and a half hours from Birmingham is Athens, Georgia, home of the University of Georgia Bulldogs. The Dawgs play at Sanford Stadium among a large sea of fans clothed in the school colors of red and black.

Right before kickoff, point to the trumpeter from the band playing “Battle Hymn of the Bulldog Nation.” After a major win, head to the Chapel Bell as the fans continue an old tradition of ringing the bell throughout the night.

For a unique stay close to campus, try The Bell hotel, originally a phone and telegraph building from 1916. While in Athens, make sure to try Taqueria Del Sol and taste the enchiladas and house margarita. Another fun dinner option is Paloma Park for Tex-Mex and live music.

knoxville

Farthest from Birmingham on this roundup, but close to many hearts, is the University of Tennessee Volunteers, in Knoxville, Tennessee. The Vols are around four hours away, but the drive is worth seeing the iconic checkered end zones at Neyland Stadium.

The Volunteers’ live mascot is Smokey the bluetick coonhound. Make sure to learn the words to “Rocky Top,” as it will play after each touchdown every game.

For the ultimate Tennessee experience, stay at the Graduate Knoxville to fully

get in the mood for your game day. Try eating at Sunspot on the edge of campus for a Southwestern, Caribbean and Latin American meal and daily drink specials. While you’re in town, hit up Knoxville’s Market Square for shops and other restaurants.

Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce

Ribbon Cuttings

New Members

Cala Coffee

CareHaven: Special Needs Care Support

Ebike Oasis Elavon

Fifth Third Bank

House of Horn: Soho Social, Soho Standard, Social Taco, Mudtown & The Ridge

Iron City Lighting

Medical House Calls

Mountain Brook Marine, LLC

Smith Lake Real Estate

Sydney Petite

The Sugar Shoppe Crestline

WOW Windowboxes

ART IN THE VILLAGE

PHOTOS BY KELSEA SCHAFER

On Saturday, May 2 at Mountain Brook City Hall, the Mountain Brook Art Association held its annual festival, Art in the Village, featuring numerous vendors both outside on the green and indoors in City Hall showcasing their work.

1. Anita Bice

2. Lisa Pruitt 3. Lois Mash 4. Beverley Phillips and Bev Bates 5. Sarah Heck

6. Gina Butera 7. Lynda Goldstein

8. Ronald Lewis

9. Sue Nuby 10. Hannah Morris 11. Glendinning Paul 12. Beverley Phillips

13. Susie Caffey

14. Carol Carmichael and Martha Fulghum

MOUNTAIN BROOK HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION

CRAWFORD

On Friday, May 22, Mountain Brook High School held its commencement ceremony for the class of 2026 at the Pete Hanna Center at Samford University.

1. Polly, Sadie, Roscoe, Sophie, Emmy Grace and Jeb

2. Polly Albritton

3. Sadie Martin and Sophie Hicks

4. William, Carrie and Hooker

5. Jack Dixon

6. Hooker, Hill, Sophie and Jeb

7. Thomas

8. Hill McCluney and Sophie Hicks

9. Sadie Martin

10. Kinleigh Freeman

11. Nicole and Macey

ZOO BREWS 2026

On Friday, May 29, the Birmingham Zoo hosted an after-hours festival, featuring unlimited samples of craft brews, food truck vendors and exclusive animal talks and encounters.

1. Sarah Lofton and Alena Roberts

2. Jonathon Bower and Caitlin Seaborn

3. Alana Dade and Jennifer Heidrich

4. Andrew Chege, Tiffany Thomason, Skyler Thomason, Spencer Thomason, Ashley Juneac, Eden Wright and Gabriel Thomason

5. Kaleb Gowan and Ian Patlan

6. Jeremy Love and Rachel Hayden

7. Viktoria Solfronk, Lauren Townley, KK Wiggins and Jessi Chapham

8. Amber Carthen, Andrea Early and Keyon Stewart

9. Melissa Fray and Madison Humphrey

10. Cody Bufford and Mary Ostrander

11. Emma Blackmon, Kennedi Langan and Bebe Huffaker

12. Laura Center, Fraley Williams, Eugenie Allen and Reed Gaston

13. Becca Lane and Sarah Thompson

MOUNTAIN BROOK FLAG RAISING CEREMONY

BY KELSEA SCHAFER

On Saturday, July 4 at Mountain Brook City Hall, Mountain Brook police officers and firefighters gathered together to raise the flag outside of City Hall in honor of Independence Day.

1. Officer Intal and Joshua Little

2. Mike Honan and Roxanne

3. The Holmes family

4. Sgt. Hodgens, Sgt. Bolich and Officer Pearson

5. Walter and Cathy Coe

6. John Entrekin and Sgt. Hodgens

7. Jacob Bouma-Sims

8. Mountain Brook Police and Firefighters

Allison Insurance is honored to have been recognized as the Best Insurance Agency in Mountain Brook-a reflection of the trust our clients place in us every day. Whether you need personal insurance-including home, auto, or umbrella-or business insurance, we’re here to guide you with clarity and care.

We believe strong relationships are built on trust, consistency, and genuine service. Let us show you the difference a dedicated insurance partner can make.

205-738-7444

COMMUNITY NIGHT

On Wednesday, July 8, the Mountain Brook YMCA hosted “Community Night” as part of its summer family night series, inviting members of the public to come experience all its facilities offer for free, including tennis courts, a swimming pool, multiple weight rooms, a basketball court, spin classes and more.

1. Jennifer Cooke, Robyn Lyons, Billie Caine, Julie Morton, Heidi Goodman and Anna Hart

2. Matt Conner

3. Cole Roberts

4. Mary Evelyn Hitch and Virginia Loveman

5. Nolan Corbitt, King Hastings and Deep Singh

6. Emilie MacDonald and Anna Grace Pell

7. Maurice Semaan

8. Garrett Hines

9. Michael Orihuela

10. Cohen Smith

11. Valerie Jeter Campbell, Judy Dolan, Mindi Keller and Marisa Seoane

12. Marcela Barbosa

Marketplace

Automation

Personnel Services Hiring IMMEDIATELY

For: Automotive Assembly, General Labor, Production, Clerical, Machine Operator, Quality, Carpentry, Welder, Foundry. Positions In: Calera, Clanton, Pelham, Bessemer, McCalla. Walkin applications accepted. Clanton (205)280-0002. Pelham (205)4449774.

Bama Concrete Now Hiring: Diesel Mechanic 4 Years Minimum Experience. CDL Preferred. Competitive Pay. Great Benefits. Apply in person: 2180 Hwy 87 Alabaster, 35007

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Software Engineers III - eBusiness in Birmingham, AL: Email resume to Motion Industries, Inc. at: mottalentacquisition@ motion.com (Must REF: Job Title in subject line).

Production Engineering

Technician –Positions offered by HL Mando America Corporation (Hogansville, GA). Increase first pass yield by improving measurement systems & optimize machining processes.Submit resume to cindy. smith@hlcompany. com. Reference Job ID: 8445038.

Current Products

Lead Engineer, ACX – positions offered by Autocar, LLC (Center Point, AL). Dev, mnge & mentor current prods engins to root-cause & solve des issues & supp all ACX Refuse

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Manufacturing Engineer –positions offered by Autocar, LLC (Center Point, AL). Responsible for manufacturing eng’ing, industrial & process eng’ing related functions w/in scope of responsibility at Autocar. Please submit resume to LegalCompliance@ gvwgroup.com. Reference Job ID: 9737474.

P&F COIN

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For All Your Masonry Needs •Block •Brick •Concrete

Repair •Brick Cleaning

•PaintingCall 205643-0729 or email srichardson642@ gmail.com to get your FREE ESTIMATES!

Pelham’s Newest Community! Tower Homes Community, Huntley Ridge, is nestled conveniently near I-65, I-459 and Highway 31 and is now selling 3BR/2BA homes starting in the $320s. Call today to schedule a showing!

Now Hiring! Termite Treaters and Inspectors

Work with a great local company, in business for over 50 years. BC/BS insurance, 401k, opportunities available. No experience required Must have a good driving record and be able to pass drug screen. Email to facsmith@charter. net or call 205369-6250 Vulcan Termite and Pest Control

MY MOUNTAIN BROOK

DR. HEATH W. PADGETT

UAB

School of Dentistry Orthodontic Resident & Mountain Brook Resident

Architectural Distinction

English Village

I love the small town charm that you find in English Village even though it’s less than five minutes from downtown.

Nothing beats a quiet walk around the neighborhood or grabbing a coffee and pastry from Continental Bakery while catching up with the regulars out front. The area has a rhythm and simplicity to it that’s hard to find elsewhere.

Fellowship in Community

Mountain Brook Community Church

Mountain Brook Community Church has been a cornerstone of my life for as long as I can remember, from growing up there to attending now while in residency.

“Community” is not just in the name; it is reflected in the people who demonstrate what it means to be fully devoted followers of Christ who love God and others.

Fueling Passion

Woodworking

Everyone needs hobbies. One of my favorite woodworking projects was my 21’ rowing shell I built after taking a course in Annapolis, Maryland. It’s built of beautiful okoume wood and combines my passion for function and design with my hobbies of woodworking, nature and rowing. I enjoy taking my boat out alongside others in the Lake Purdy Rowing Association.

Forging the Path

Young Republican Federation

As executive director for the Young Republican Federation of Alabama and chair of the Greater Birmingham chapter, I see these roles as an opportunity to help young people find their voice and use it well. We strive to connect young leaders with others who care about local and national issues and believe politics can be less about division and more about creating positive change.

Serving Local Patrons

Cahaba Valley Health Care

After more than eight years of volunteering with Cahaba Valley Health Care and now serving on the nonprofit’s board, the most rewarding part has always been the people. It is incredibly meaningful to witness the impact our care can have on patients in need, helping restore not only their smiles, but also their confidence, dignity and hope.